![Kapelle Salgenreute by Bernardo Bader](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/kapelle-salgenreute-bernardo-bader-krumbach-architecture-cultural-chapel-germany_dezeen_hero-b-852x479.jpg)
Bernardo Bader completes tiny wooden chapel with pointy wooden roof in western Austria
The steeply pitched roof of this shingled chapel by Bernardo Bader Architects provides a dramatic worship space, which narrows towards a small window facing a grassy hillside in western Austria.
![Kapelle Salgenreute by Bernardo Bader](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/kapelle-salgenreute-bernardo-bader-krumbach-architecture-cultural-chapel-germany_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x569.jpg)
The Dornbirn-based practice designed Chapel Salgenreute for a spot next to the Krumbacher moor in Austria's Vorarlberg state. It replaces an old chapel that had occupied the site for 200 years.
![Kapelle Salgenreute by Bernardo Bader](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/kapelle-salgenreute-bernardo-bader-krumbach-architecture-cultural-chapel-germany_dezeen_2364_col_10-852x572.jpg)
Set on a stone base, the chapel is clad entirely in wood, which is intended to grey as it weathers – like the traditional buildings nearby.
![Kapelle Salgenreute by Bernardo Bader](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/kapelle-salgenreute-bernardo-bader-krumbach-architecture-cultural-chapel-germany_dezeen_2364_col_2-852x568.jpg)
"The sun is going to change the wooden facade – it will turn darker, black in the south, silver-grey in the north, just like the old farmhouses from the area," said the architects.
![Kapelle Salgenreute by Bernardo Bader](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/kapelle-salgenreute-bernardo-bader-krumbach-architecture-cultural-chapel-germany_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x568.jpg)
The architects based the layout of the spaces inside the chapel, including an apse, on the old building, while the steeply pitched roof is intended as a contemporary update.
![Kapelle Salgenreute by Bernardo Bader](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/kapelle-salgenreute-bernardo-bader-krumbach-architecture-cultural-chapel-germany_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x1275.jpg)
The internal walls, floors and ceiling are all covered in the same light wood, which provides a dramatic roof above the minimal church pews, which are also made from pale timber.
"The shape of the room is new – an outstanding steep rising spatial folding made out of wood," said the architects. "The inside of the chapel is dominated by the homogeneous material of the wall and the roof."
![Kapelle Salgenreute by Bernardo Bader](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/kapelle-salgenreute-bernardo-bader-krumbach-architecture-cultural-chapel-germany_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x1277.jpg)
A large metal door recessed at the front of the building opens to the main church hall.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/kapelle-salgenreute-bernardo-bader-krumbach-architecture-cultural-chapel-germany_dezeen_2364_col_11-852x568.jpg)
The rows of benches face towards the white altar and the window behind, which frames the branches of s large tree.
![Kapelle Salgenreute by Bernardo Bader](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/kapelle-salgenreute-bernardo-bader-krumbach-architecture-cultural-chapel-germany_dezeen_2364_col_5-852x568.jpg)
"The view straight ahead through the white apse leads directly into the nature," said the architects. "Whoever enters the chapel leaves the solid ground and proceeds a reflective journey."
The statue of the virgin Mary, which originated from the existing building, is placed at the side of the apse.
![Kapelle Salgenreute by Bernardo Bader](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/03/kapelle-salgenreute-bernardo-bader-krumbach-architecture-cultural-chapel-germany_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x1276.jpg)
Other projects by Bernardo Bader Architects in Austria include a timber-clad chalet, which is also based on the traditional farmhouse, and an Islamic cemetery with red concrete walls.
Photography is by Adolf Bereuter.